Minneapolis Public Schools the latest organization to part ways with Minneapolis Police

Minneapolis School Board members unanimously decided Tuesday night to sever ties with the Minneapolis Police Department.

"We cannot be in partnership with an organization that has the culture of violence and racism that the Minneapolis Police Department has historically demonstrated," said Minneapolis School Board Member Nelson Inz.

The $1.1 million contract paid for 14 school resource officers who will no longer work in the district's schools.

"With everything going on, I just don't feel like it's not safe anymore, I don't feel like the purpose, the original purpose, is being served any more in schools," said Minneapolis High School student Brianna.

The 16-year-old will be a junior at Patrick Henry High School in the fall.

"I think this was a really big win and a big positive to look at right now," she said.

"Maybe this money could go toward planning for events or ways that we can bring the teachers and the students more together and create a stronger bond with each other," Brianna added.

The University of Minnesota made a similar declaration last week, with President Joan Gabel announcing the college will no longer look to Minneapolis police to help them with additional security. Instead, the university plans to reach out to other agencies.

What safety will look like inside Minneapolis school buildings next school year isn't yet clear but the superintendent knows the clock is ticking.

"I know our summer will go very quickly and we have a lot to accomplish in order to ensure student safety and staff safety, but my leadership team and I are committed to preparing for you, by August 18, 2020, a plan for how the student body will be safely served in the coming school year," said Minneapolis Schools Superintendent Ed Graff.

St. Paul schools will have a similar discussion about its contract with St. Paul Police to provide school resource officers.

That will happen at the school board meeting next week.

Minneapolis Police Department Deputy Chief Erick Fors issued the following statement regarding the decision:

"The Minneapolis Police Department appreciated the opportunity to provide years of service to the Minneapolis Public Schools through the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. The relationships that were built were impactful not only for the students and staff, but for the officers who had a calling to work with our youth through mentorship and engagement. We will continue to work in cooperation with the Minneapolis Public Schools regarding safety and security issues."